Abstract: A specialized desoldering unit head is provided for the limited purpose of removing high-density solid state electronic components from circuit boards in a single step, without damaging the circuit board. In the typical case of a four-sided component with a row of leads on each side, the unit includes an electrically heated head which fits over the component with a heat-conducting blade fitting over each of the rows on the four sides of the component. The head has depth limiters stop means formed by at least one adjustable screw threaded through at least one laterally extended cross-strap on the head and positioned to engage against the top of the component to limit the lowering of the heated blades relative to the rows of leads so that the heated blades do not touch the circuit board, or even the horizontal portion of the surface-mounted leads of the lead rows, but only mounds of solder which have been applied over the leads to facilitate their heating and the removal of the component.

Abstract: A device for removing deer ticks and similar insects from a person's skin is disclosed. The device includes a heatable pointed needle and a spoon member located in spaced relationship alongside the needle with the bowl of the spoon facing the needle. The needle is used for poking the tick in order to cause it to retract its stinger and back off of the skin, at which point the tick may be removed in its entirety by scooping it with a spoon member located next to the hot needle. In a first embodiment of the invention, the needle and spoon member are carried on a body unit or base member in the form of a hand held gun, and the needle may be heated by an internal, self-electrical power source and heating element, or by a secondary heat source. In a second embodiment, the needle and spoon are mounted on a base member which may be attached to a flame-type cigarette lighter to heat the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a modular ball head from a prosthesis stem by heat expanding the modular ball head and subjecting it to an impact force in a direction such that it is removed from the prosthesis stem. A housing receives the modular ball head therein while the prosthesis stem is still within a patient's femur. A heater within the housing heats the modular ball head. An impact hammer comprised of a mass slideably mounted on a rod is attached to the housing and has an anvil stop at one end. The housing is thermally insulated to retain heat while protecting an operator and the patient from burns. The heat generated is controlled as to amount and duration.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting fabrics and the like includes a workbench on which the fabric is placed, a first movable carriage freely movable in one direction along one side of the work bench, and a second movable carriage mounted on the first carriage which is freely movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the first carriage. A cutting means, including a heated tip, is swingably mounted on the second carriage, and the heated tip is swingable into contact with the fabric for cutting a desired mark or pattern out of the fabric. The apparatus additionally includes an absorbent member for cleaning the heated tip after a cutting operation. The apparatus permits an automatic and efficient cutting operation for marks and can be manufactured economically.

Abstract: A hand-held thermal wire stripper has two arms arranged in a pincer-like configuration, whereby the arms diverge at one end and converge at the other end. The divergent ends of the arms are exposed and a heatable blade is positioned on each divergent end such that the two blades oppose each other across a gap that receives a wire to be stripped. The convergent ends of the arms are housed in a casing that is gripped by the operator of the wire stripper. The casing is formed from an electrostatically dissipative material that conducts electrostatic charges to ground before such charges reach a level sufficient to shock the operator or damage sensitive electrical components coming into contact therewith.

Abstract: A component installation/removal tweezer-type handpiece having two arms and a tinnable or nontinnable tip including a pair of legs respectively removably mounted with respect to the arms and a plurality of serially connected bands attached to the first and second legs such that an opening is formed within the serially connected bands so that the bands are adapted, upon closure of the tweezer-type handpiece, to clamp the terminals of an electronic component or the like and transmit heat to the terminals. In another embodiment a tweezer-type or probe-type handpiece includes a tinnable or nontinnable tip having first and second legs and one or more bands extending between the legs whereby the band(s) is adapted to transfer heat to terminals associated with an electronic component. In all embodiments of the invention the tips may be provided with a variety of sheathing or overlayer combinations to achieve a variety of application requirements.

Abstract: A thermode having a relatively long and thick blade composed of a high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion material, e.g., molybdenum, provides an elongated contact surface for bonding a row of leads of an electronic component to a circuit board. A thermode holder is coupled to the blade by means of a plurality of struts, including a pair of outer struts, each connected at one end of the respective ends of the blade and at an acute angle facing the other outer strut, and a pair of shorter inner struts, each connected with the blade intermediate the ends of the blade and at an acute angle facing the outer strut adjacent thereof, such that in response to a force urging the blade against the circuit board, the outer struts cause a negative deflection of the blade with respect to the board and the inner struts decrease the magnitude of the deflection. The blade is heated by electric current supplied thereto from a transformer through the inner and outer struts.

Abstract: The device for cutting textile material and sealing the edges of the cut material comprises a heated resistance wire of round cross section supported in a supporting means. The wire forms a flattened central portion shaped to form a semi-circular bow having a symmetrical shape with a curved outer edge ground to a feather cutting edge, an inner edge and two lateral flat faces parallel to each other along which the edges of the textile material are moved after being cut by combined mechanical and thermal action of the wire. The edges of the textile material are sealed thereby. Since the temperature of the wire can be kept relatively low, no ridges of melted material are formed along the edges of the textile material.

Abstract: A hot knife assembly for cutting excess organic polymeric material from a thermal forming mold includes a blade-like knife in the form of a thin flat plate having an inner edge connected to a heater and an outer edge with a cutting surface thereon. The thin flat plate has two flat surfaces substantially encapsulated by a refractory wedge. The refractory wedge in formed silicone material and extends coextensive and adjacent the blade-like knife for preventing stringing or re-welding of the cut material.

Abstract: A fiber cutting tool is disclosed which comprises a heated element cartridge and a body. The heated element cartridge comprises (a) a blade formed from a fast heating resistance heating element encased in a thermal shock resistant and electrical resistant material, such blade having a distal end and a proximate end; (b) an element cover having a distal end and a proximate end which encloses the proximate end of the blade; and (c) a cartridge housing that encloses a portion of the proximate end of the element cover. In preferred embodiments, the blade is formed from a tungsten resistance heating element encased in a silicon nitride composite material.

Abstract: A heating member for processing an object to be processed in contact therewith by heat generated upon power supply, comprising a conductive substrate, and an insulating layer formed at least at that portion of the conductive substrate which is brought into contact with the object to be processed. The insulating layer has a specific resistance 100 times or more that of the conductive substrate, or of at least 10.sup.-2 .OMEGA..cm. The insulating layer prevents a shunt current flowing from the heating member to the object to be processed.

Abstract: The invention provides for placing a material to be scribed in a gaseous atmosphere and contacting the surface of the material with a non-cutting heated tip. The heated tip is rounded to prevent cutting and is moved relative to the material. The tip is heated during the scribing operation, either continuously at a prescribed level, or discontinuously in order to maintain the average temperature at a prescribed level.

Abstract: A window burner for creating windows by selective removal of polymer type coatings from capillary columns and very small diameter tubes. The burner includes an electric circuit which provides a predetermined, controlled current from a standard 120 or 220 volt AC outlet. The predetermined, controlled current electrically heats a resistive wire for a predetermined period of time. The resistive wire may have a predetermined configuration to facilitate mounting of the capillary column for selective burning. The size of the resistive wire and the predetermined period of time during which the predetermined, controlled current is provided thereto are factors determining the size of the window formed by selectively burning off the polymer coating.

Abstract: A forced hot air appliance comprises a main handle housing assemble that is generally tubular, a heater which is mounted within the main handle housing for heating air which flows therepast, a ventilator for forcing air to flow through the main handle housing, a bearing assembly which includes a generally tubular bearing sleeve, a swivel handle assembly including a head portion and a body portion, the head portion having a rear end which defines an air inlet screen and a front end which defines a circular opening through which the rear portion of the bearing sleeve extends for enabling the bearing sleeve and the main handle housing to be rotatably supported, and a submersible switch which is mounted within the swivel handle housing including a switch box and two spaced apart metallic contact which contact metallic contact rings on the bearing sleeve of the bearing assembly regardless of the rotational position of the bearing sleeve and the main handle housing relative to the head portion of the swivel handle

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying light and heat of variable intensity to a photocurable dental material. The apparatus includes a source of light, a reflector, a filter assembly, a light guide and an electrical fan. The heat is generated from the light source and is controllably directed by an arrangement of louvers with a manually adjustable lever through a passageway surrounding the light guide to the operatory site.

Abstract: The tool is electrically heated and has a flat working surface, essentially horseshoe shaped. The working surface is heated to between 500.degree. F. and 900.degree. F. and pressed for from 3 to 10 seconds against the ground contact surface of a horse's hoof prepared for shoeing. The contact sears the insensitive part of the hoof, the horn, to dry out the horn, seal off the capillary tubes in the tubular of the hoof and flatten any irregularities left on the surface during the preparation for shoeing. This treatment reduces the potential for hoof damage caused by moisture. The working surface is on the horseshoe shaped part which encloses an electrical heating element. The heating element is attached to a handle for the tool. In the steady state heated condition the heat radiated by the tool equals the heat produced by the heating element and no thermostatic temperature control is required.

Abstract: In the manufacture of welded corner joints between hollow plastic sections shaped parts are used which abut against the plastic sections during the heating-up operation and also during the welding process. In this way the result is achieved that the weld bead or plastic rim which forms during the welding, is pressed into the hollow cavity (19) or into the hollow cavities so that a subsequent operation for the purpose of removing the weld bead is not necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for simultaneously generating heat energy and oscillation energy. In the method heat is generated by induction heating and oscillations are created by means of at least piezoelectric elements. Previously a resonance circuit formed by a series connection of an inductive component and a capacitive, piezoelectric component has been used for the generation of oscillations only. A disadvantage of this kind of circuit has been that the circuit is difficult to control on account of the narrow resonance region of the piezoelectric element. This advantage is avoided in the solution according to the invention in such manner that one and the same resonance circuit formed by a series connection of an inductive and capacitive element generates both heat energy and oscillation energy.

Abstract: An improved thermal wire stripper of the type having a slotted metal thermal strip tensioned between the ends of a pair of upstanding, parallel electrodes, provides a gauge selection rotatable member mounted on one of the electrodes and having successive steps for coacting with successively smaller parallel-jaw portions of the slot to prevent nicking wire in stripping it of insulation. A forked support braces the metal thermal strip against excessive deflection that wire stripping might otherwise cause, a plunger actuated slug-flicker flicks away dangling insulation bits left by stripping operations, and a strip-length gauge and finger shield are also provided.

Abstract: A wirestripper for thermal stripping a length of insulated wire includes a "V"-shaped flat metal strip of nickel chrome alloy 0.2 mm thick and having first and second arms 1 mm wide and 3.2 cm long extending from a vertex. The "V"-shaped strip is supported between a support post at the vertex and a respective electrode post at the end of each of the arms, with the electrode posts and support post being parallel and biased apart to tension the "V"-shaped strip. The electrode posts are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the length of wire to be stripped to be passed laterally therebetween and between the first and second arms into the vertex for stripping. The serial resistance of the "V"-shaped strip between the electrode posts sufficient for energization of the strip by a 1.2 volt battery connected to the electrode posts.

Abstract: A device for welding foils, webs or bags having differing thickness along a line to be welded at right angles to a conveying direction includes a pair of elongated welding dies movable relative to one another and one of which has an elongated, periodically heatable electric resistance heating element having serially-connected sections of differing electrical resistance along its length defined by zonal variations in cross sectional area of the heating element, e.g., areas of differing heating element width. Each section of differing resistance corresponds in length and position to the differing thickness along the line to be welded and is so dimensioned that, prior to initial contact with that line to be welded, the heating element has a higher temperature in the zones of lesser cross-sectional area corresponding to the thicker areas of the line to be welded than at a the at the zones of greater cross sectional area corresponding to the thinner areas thereof.

Abstract: The electric heating element in an apparatus for sterilely cutting and welding together a pair of thermoplastic tubes incorporates within the heating element a fusible signal means connected in parallel electrical circuit with the resistor of the heating element for indicating previous use of the heating element. The fusible signal means is capable when intact of providing a signal to a microprocessor controlling operation of the apparatus indicative of previous nonuse of the heating element and is automatically destructed upon energization of the heating element resistor during the first use of the heating element so as to be incapable of providing such nonuse signal upon a subsequent energization. If the nonuse signal is not generated, e.g., the heating element has been previously used, the microprocessor is programmed to reject the heating element, thereby eliminating risks resulting from reusing the heating element.

Abstract: A heating element for sterilely melt-cutting and welding together a pair of thermoplastic tubes transversely of the axis of the tubes includes an outer folded metal sheet, such as copper, aluminum, silver or gold, an electric resistance heating element of stainless steel or the like disposed inside the fold of the sheet and a dielectric adhesive disposed between the inner surfaces of the sheet and the resistor to insulate the resistor from the sheet and bond the structure together. The folded edge of the sheet forms the melting edge of the heating element. Vent channels within the adhesive and along at least one unfolded edge of the metal sheet are provided to vent entrapped gas from the element during heating.

Abstract: In wrapping machinery for wrapping articles in heat sealable plastic film, a web of film is drawn from a supply roll and is severed by pulling the film under tension downwardly onto the narrow edge of a thermal cut-off device, which may be a heated rod or blade, to melt the film material along a thin transverse line and to permit severance thereof by pulling. Following severance of the film, the film-wrapped package is sealed by placing the package on a pedestal hot plate. The temperature of the hot plate is higher than that of the thermal cut-off device used to sever the film. The hot plate is supplied by electrical energy from a single source through a temperature sensor and control. The thermal cut-off device obtains its heat by conduction from the hot plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a line of separation in a plastic work surface includes a tool having a tool holder of thermally conductive material, an electric heating element and a tool member having a separating point. The holder is surrounded by an insulating member and includes a sleeve portion in which the tool member is releasably secured, the tool member projecting from the body in freely exposed manner with the separating point remote from the holder whereby the work surface may be engaged solely by the separating point which comprises a tip from which a surrounding surface extends in divergent manner. The holder is arranged to conduct heat from the heating element to the tip and suitable control means are provided for regulating the heating element temperature to a desired value.

Abstract: A hand wrapper for plastic film that thermally cuts a length of plastic wrapping film withdrawn from a supply roll includes an improved heat cutter that uses film resistors instead of a metal blade or a single heater wire for the cutting because the film resistors are not likely to break and they have low heat capacity which permits instantaneous cutting of the plastic film without requiring preheating which causes large power losses.

Abstract: A wire stripper provides for one-hand thermal-stripping of thermoplastic insulation from wire in a substantial range of wire sizes without need for adjustment or alternation in manipulation of the wire relative to the stripper or of the stripper relative to the wire. The stripping operation requires merely insertion of a free-end of thermoplastic-insulated wire in the larger end of a teardrop-shaped slot in a flat conductive strip tensioned between electrodes passing current through the strip, then withdrawing the free end of wire out of the slot in a direction wedging the insulation in the smaller end of the slot as the wire is withdrawn from it, either with or without a twist of the free end. A novel electrode mount both maintains tension on the flat conductive strip when it is heated and serves as closure of a box that holds the current transformer supplying the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrically heated musical instrument stand for supporting an idle musical instrument during breaks or pauses during a musical performance for heating the interior of the instrument maintain the idled instrument warm and at its tuned temperature ready for immediate use includes an adjustable support base provided with an upwardly extending adjustable stem insertable into the bell of a musical instrument supported by an adjustable circular stop carried by the stem and engageable with the bell of the instrument. The stop is so positioned that a thermostatically controlled electric heater, including a resistance element enclosed in a cylindrical safety shield, mounted atop the stem is located substantially entirely within the interior of an instrument supported on the stand to provide radiant and naturally convective heat to the interior of the instrument. The heater thermostat is adjustable to provide regulated temperatures to a wide variety of instruments.

Abstract: An improvement of a precision manipulator for use in UHV systems with sample transfer capability in which a spring loaded thermocouple 47 and a heater electrode (51, 52) are both in direct contact with the transferred sample 35. The thermocouple and heater electrode assembly are mounted concentric with a sample receiving block 33 on the end of an offset manipulator 20. Hence, when a sample is transferred from an introduction chamber 12 into the UHV chamber 11, it contacts the spring loaded thermocouple 47 and then seats a heater electrode 52. Cooling by a copper plate 41 and a strap 22 combined with the resistance heating capability allow sample temperatures over the range of 150.degree.-1750.degree. K. while positioned in front of any diagnostic instrument in the UHV system and while taking data with these instruments.

Abstract: An electric heating element for sterilely cutting and welding together a pair of thermoplastic tubes transversely of the axis of each tube includes as an outer layer a folded sheet of a metal, such as copper, aluminum, silver or gold, having a thermal conductivity of at least about 173 watts/m.degree.K at a thickness of 0.10 mm and a tensile yield strength of at least 34.times.104 kPa at a 0.10 mm thickness. A resistance heating element, preferably having a positive thermal coefficient of resistance (PTC), in the form of a resistor of stainless steel or the like is disposed inside the fold of the metal sheet and a layer of dielectric adhesive, such as an epoxy or acrylic adhesive, stable to about 260.degree. C., is disposed between the inner surfaces of the metal sheet and the resistor to insulate the resistor from the folded sheet and bond the resulting structure together. The folded edge of the metal sheet forms the melting edge of the heating element. The heating element has a thickness of from about 0.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting thermoplastic foam material, such as polyethylene foam or rigid polystyrene foam, includes an electrically heated cutting element made from a steel band and having a sharpened front longitudinal edge and a rear longitudinal edge spaced from one another by a width dimension of the band which is many times greater than the thickness thereof. The opposite end portions of the cutting element are parallel and close to one another and are each releasably gripped by a separate set of jaws which engage the front and rear edges of each end portion to mechanically support and supply electric current to the respective end portions. Each set of jaws includes a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The movable jaws are connected for operation by a single operating member for movement in unison relative to the stationary jaws to facilitate rapid insertion and removal of the cutting element from the jaws.

Abstract: A connector member for a fluid flow path is provided which comprises a transparent housing enclosing an opaque barrier membrane or wall portion blocking flow through the flow path. The barrier membrane is adapted to be openable by exposure to radiant energy from the exterior through the transparent housing. In accordance with this invention, the barrier membrane is made of a predominantly crystalline plastic material, and, accordingly, exhibits a relatively sharp melting point for improved opening characteristics upon exposure to the radiant energy.

Abstract: A compact portable device energizable from a motor vehicle battery for thawing frozen motor vehicle door locks includes an electrically heated thawing stick sized for insertion into the keyhole of a frozen lock. The stick comprises a hollow metal body enclosing a resistance wire. One end of the wire is connected to the stip of the metal body and the other end is connected to an elongated cable terminating in a plug insertable into an electrical socket on the vehicle connected to the vehicle battery. The thawing stick is secured to a hollow protective case modeled in the form of a flat key end and provided with a key ring. The case has an open narrow side through which the cable can be inserted for storage within the case during non-use periods and the stick is pivoted for movement from a non-use position covering the open side of the case to an extended use position.

Abstract: A battery operated portable thawing device for frozen locks has an electrically heated thawing stick sized for insertion into the key hole of a frozen lock. The stick is thinner than the lock key and comprises a hollow metal body inside which is located a thin resistance heating wire. The resistance wire is located between the middle and the end of the stick inserted into the keyhole in a relatively short length (20-30%) of the thawing stick. For use, the stick is slidable out of a protective housing adapted to be gripped in the hand. The housing carries a battery for energizing the stick and a light bulb for illuminating the keyhole. The metal body of the stick serves as one terminal for supplying current to the resistance wire. The circuit between the battery and resistance wire made automatically made when the stick is moved out of the housing for use and broken when the stick is returned into the housing.

Abstract: Improved welds for thermoplastic foam insulation spirally deposited about a structure are obtained employing a thin, resistance heated welding blade which beneficially is positioned by means of a four-bar linkage connecting the blade to the blade support.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting arbitrary shapes in material, particularly in synthetic plastic foam material, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bendable, shape-retaining, electrically conductive resitive wire which may be successively formed into any desired shape by selectively arranging either or both elements of a pair of independently movable wire positioning elements which are respectively attached to end portions of the resistive wire. The resistive wire is also connected to an electrical current source provided on said elements for heating the wire to a predetermined temperature which is sufficiently high so that the wire may cut the desired shape into the workpiece by heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting arbitrary shapes in material, particularly in synthetic plastic foam material, comprises a bendable, shape-retaining, electrically conductive resistive wire. The wire may be successively formed into any desired form factor by selectively arranging either or both elements of a pair of independently movable electrically non-conductive wire-positioning elements which are respectively connected to end portions of the wire. The wire cuts the desired shape by the heat produced by connecting the wire to an electrical current source which heats the wire to a sufficiently high temperature. Securing portions are respectively provided on the movable wire-positioning elements so that the latter may be fixedly positioned and form an interlocked assembly, whereby the wire may be positioned into a narrow loop and thereby cut circular patterns into a series of workpieces.

Abstract: A tennis ball marker which has no moving parts in operation and in which a plurality of removable and interchangeable heating imprint modules are mounted in a housing containing an electric circuit for controlling the supply of power from a source to heat the imprint modules. The imprint modules comprise a ceramic body having an electric heating element embedded therein. The top surface of the ceramic body provides raised portions in the shape of letters or other identifying indicia which are seared onto the surface of a tennis ball placed in contact therewith. The imprint modules are readily interchangeable and are removably plugged into electrical receptacles in the housing to permit the identifying indicia to be readily changed. The housing includes window means through which the imprint modules are exposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically heating an acupuncture needle that has been inserted into a subject is disclosed. An applicator unit contains an electrical heating element thermally coupled to an acupuncture needle and directly to the skin adjacent to the acupuncture needle. Regulation and control of the heat supplied by the applicator unit is achieved through the control of electrical power supplied to the heating element. Either temperature or power control can be selected, and temperature indication is provided. In use, after the acupuncture needle has been inserted through the subject's skin, the applicator unit is attached to the acupuncture needle and regulated electrical power is applied to produce controlled heat.